Principal Software Engineer

Cisco Systems, Inc.; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 231,400 - 331,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching contributions

Paid parental leave

Short and long-term disability coverage

Stock options

Job summary

Cisco Systems, Inc. is seeking skilled software engineers for their Diagnostic/BSP team in Milpitas, CA. The role focuses on architecting and developing BIOS, device drivers, and validating complex software for networking products. Applicants need a degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with extensive experience in hardware and embedded systems development. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $231,400 to $331,800, alongside comprehensive benefits including stock options, medical insurance, and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• 15+ years experience with a Bachelor's degree or 12+ years with a Master's degree.
• Experience in hardware and device driver development including Linux.
• Skilled in developing, debugging, and validating complex embedded systems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for routing products.
• Design and test device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.
• Collaborate on debugging prototypes and validating software.

Skills

C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems

Hardware development

Device driver development

Debugging skills

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

Master's degree in relevant field

Tools

Kernel debugging tools (GDB, KGDB)

Protocols (I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO)

Job description

Application Window

The application window is expected to close on: 05/15/2026. Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

CHG BSP Software

The Common Hardware Group (CHG) at Cisco seeks skilled software engineers for our Diagnostic/BSP team, responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of world‑class hardware. Our team develops software for Cisco’s network switches and routers, enabling flexible, agile network infrastructures that support complex AI and ML workloads. This is a unique opportunity to grow your technical skill set and gain visibility across cross‑functional teams within Cisco. We value motivated individuals who enjoy solving complex challenges and thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Your Impact

• Architect and develop BIOS, BSP, and diagnostics for Cisco’s Core and Edge routing products.
• Design, develop, and test device drivers for FPGA and networking peripherals.
• Develop and execute software test plans.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to debug prototypes and validate software.
• Innovate and drive unique software, hardware, and technology solutions with a global impact on Cisco’s product portfolio.
• Utilize deep technical expertise for complex consultations and act as an expert both internally and externally.
• Shape technology and industry trends to enable a competitive advantage and ensure long‑term business impact.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 15+ years experience, or Master’s degree with 12+ years experience.
• Proficient in C, C++, and Python programming for embedded systems.
• Experience in hardware and device driver development, including Linux hardware bring‑up, multi‑threading, event handling, and state machine implementation.
• Experience with Sonic, ONIE, BMC, IPMI, and/or Redfish technologies.
• Skilled in developing, debugging, and validating embedded systems using protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, PCIe, GPIO.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in kernel debugging tools such as GDB and KGDB.
• Experience leading board bring‑up, validation, and debugging of embedded systems.
• Ability to develop software from concept through delivery for large‑scale, high‑bandwidth systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for software defects from kernel modules to applications.
• Experience in collaborative system design, specification writing, and requirements review.
• Commitment to quality, mentoring, and continuous learning in networking, optics, and embedded systems.
• AI/ML experience and knowledge of Layer 2/3 network protocols, network processors, optical networking, secure‑boot, open‑source tools, CMIS, and SFF standards (SFP, QSFP).

Compensation and Benefits

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:

The starting salary range posted for this position is $231,400.00 to $331,800.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate’s hiring location, market conditions, job‑related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco’s plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long‑term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

Other benefits include paid holidays, vacation days, sick time, volunteer days, and optional paid time away for personal wellness or critical family needs.

For non‑sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco’s policies. Employees on sales plans receive performance‑based incentive pay on top of their base salary, split between quota and non‑quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

• New York City Metro Area: $231,400.00 – $381,600.00
• Non‑Metro New York state & Washington state: $222,900.00 – $343,600.00

* For quota‑based sales roles on Cisco’s sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined. ** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non‑exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.